Kevin & Naomi Kieffer

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94523

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Advice

Answer

I believe they are sincere, however, likely their motive is to purchase your home below market. Their hope is that you are not in tune with the market and you are willing to negotiate principal to principal with no professional guidance. I receive these letters from similar type buyers for the rentals I own and it is nearly the same letter from every party. So technically not a scam but they are just hoping to get a good deal off a non savvy seller. It is highly recommended to direct them to your Realtor and if you do not have one, locate one and have some comps pulled on your home so you can get the proper value should you entertain an offer. Kevin R Kieffer, Broker Associate, Danville, CA

Answer

In California, specifically northern, CA, the seller proceeds are available after recording which is the next business day after funding. You can pick up hard checks or have the escrow company wire those proceeds directly to your account. Kevin R Kieffer, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty - Walnut Creek & Danville, CA

Answer

In California, specifically northern, CA, the seller proceeds are available after recording which is the next business day after funding. You can pick up hard checks or have the escrow company wire those proceeds directly to your account. Kevin R Kieffer, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty - Walnut Creek & Danville, CA

Response

The top three questions a seller should ask of their agent from my perspective and experience is as follows:1. What is your marketing plan for our property2. What is your track record with listings3. Do you have any previous clients who would be willing to share their experience (zillow reviews is a good start).Kevin R Kieffer, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty: Walnut Creek & Danvillle, CA[photo deleted by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy]

Answer

Having fixed and flipped 50+ homes in the area since 2008, I highly recommend fixing the property to be in turn key condition. You don't want to over improve, however, you do want to bring it up to the highest level of improvements relative to area homes for sale. By doing so, your property will likely be first to go pending. With FHA loans still readily available, most of those buyers want a turn key home as they are looking to purchase with 3.5% down and don't have the extra cash after closing to do the improvements. Kevin R. Kieffer Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty Northern California - East Bay

Response

I can only speak for the Northern California market and more specifically the east bay. Emphatically yes. If you put your home on the market at or near recent comparable sales, you will very likely get multiple offers. Inventory is extraordinarily low and buyer interest is extremely high as is common with the spring market coming into full swing soon. However, with rates being this low and the media pumping up the market as well as the overall trending positive outlook on the economy, buyers are out in droves. Go for the high end of your market and my bet is you will be pleasantly surprised with the buyer interest. Cheers! Here's to a great spring market.Kevin R Kieffer Broker Associate, [phone removed by Zillow moderator]

Answer

The best pricing strategy in this market is to price close to the nearest comps of a recent comparable sale. This shows the buyer and the selling agents that you are very motivated and pricing within a reasonable price point. Motivated buyers are out there. Just have to be sure you are priced to sell. Kevin R Kieffer, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty, Northern Calfiornia

Answer

Customary earnest money deposits (EMD) vary by state. In California the max liquidated damages is 3 percent. Therefore it is common for the initial depositto be 1.5 percent of the purchase price. Then another 1.5 percent increase deposit 1.5% of purchase price once all contingencies are removed. Kevin R. Kieffer, Broker associate, keller Williams realty northern california Bay area

Answer

Days on market policy varies by MLS. In Alameda & Contra Costa County (Northern California), the days on market run till the property is sold or if the property is removed from the market for 30 days, then it shows new DOM figure. Zillow should mirror the same data if an agent is posting their listing up manually. However, if the agent is not actively removing the listing and putting it back up then it may show contiguous days on market. Kevin R. Kieffer, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Realty - Offices in Danville & Walnut Creek California